The 10 Best Video Game Trios

10 Best Video Game Trios

Welcome to MojoPlays, and today we aren’t looking at solo characters or dynamic duos, but rather video game trios. Some say three is a crowd. Well, we say three is a well-oiled machine.

Nate, Elena, & Sully

“Uncharted” series (2007-)

The three main characters of the “Uncharted” series come in the form of a wise-cracking younger hot head, an old wise mentor, and a smart-as-a-whip partner. The bond among the three started in the original game, setting the tone for the rest of the series. Initially, their relationship wasn't smooth, as Elena, a reporter, worked with the two treasure hunters, and was promptly excommunicated from their little church of booty and looty. However, after being reunited, they developed a strong rapport and have remained close ever since. Nate and Elena even got married, and somehow Sully never seems like a third wheel when the crew is together.

Mega Man, Rush, & Roll

“Mega Man” series (1987-)

Mega Man, Rush, and Roll form a beloved trio due to their complementary roles and enduring camaraderie. In other words, they are tight like a little family. As the heroic protagonist, Mega Man embodies determination and courage, facing formidable foes to save the world. His trusty robotic dog companion, Rush, provides invaluable support with various transformations that aid in traversal and combat, enhancing gameplay dynamics. Roll, Mega Man's sister and skilled mechanic, contributes to the team with her technical expertise and caring nature, often providing crucial upgrades and support behind the scenes.

Geralt, Yennefer, & Ciri

“The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt” (2015)

An argument could be made for Geralt, Yennefer, and Triss, but they’re more of a love triangle. Their relationship as a trio has nothing on the little family that is Geralt, Yennefer, and Ciri. Acting as essentially de facto parents to Ciri, Geralt and Yennefer guide her through her early years with a pure balance of training and love. This leads to them spending the majority of the game trying to find and save her, as their love for her transcends any issues they share. It’s a beautiful trio, with a beautiful story.

Sly, Bentley, & Murray

“Sly Cooper” series (2002-)

Here’s a trio we haven’t seen in more than 10 years. With their unique skills suited to different roles, they might be the most exceptional team of thieves in gaming. Bentley, nicknamed the Turtle, acts as the mastermind behind their operations, devising intricate plans. Think Lester Crest, but a little more turtley… or maybe less turtley somehow. Murray provides the team's muscle with his considerable size and strength, often doubling as the getaway driver. And Sly, renowned for his unparalleled agility, balance, and stealth, is among the most adept thieves in gaming. He needs his own “Assassin’s Creed” spin-off. “Sly-ssassins Creed,” anyone?

Sora, Donald, & Goofy

“Kingdom Hearts” series (2002-)

When any Disney fan thinks of a video game trio, they will instantly say Sora, Donald, and Goofy. They’re among the most prominently featured trios across generations of gaming, standing out for reasons well beyond the gameplay. While Sora has other allies, coming in and out of the party at various points in the game, these two iconic Disney characters are consistently by his side. Though Sora and Donald have had their disagreements, their legendary adventures have forged a strong bond and enduring friendship among them and Goofy.

Bulbasaur, Charmander, & Squirtle

“Pokémon” series (1996-)

Granted, this trio rarely appears together in the games. However, Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle are inseparable in fans' minds due to their status as starter Pokémon options in the first-generation games. Players must choose between them early in these titles, sparking ongoing debates about which is the superior choice. Yet, regardless of personal preference, each Pokémon holds its own appeal and remains among the most iconic starter options in Pokémon history. I for one, ALWAYS pick Charmander… unless I pick Squirtle or Bulbasaur.

Sonic, Tails, & Knuckles

“Sonic the Hedgehog” series (1991-)

One of the most renowned trios in gaming hails from the “Sonic” series. Sonic himself is the well-known protagonist and central figure of the crew, rivaling Mario in recognizability. Tails and Knuckles typically serve as crucial secondary characters, assisting Sonic in his missions. Despite their similarities - and their differences - all three characters deeply care for and respect one another, forming a cohesive team in their adventures.

Dante, Vergil, & Nero

“Devil May Cry” series (2001-)

Dante, Vergil, and Nero form a compelling trio in the “Devil May Cry” series due to their distinct personalities, which complement each other seamlessly. Together, they create a trio that balances Dante's experience, Vergil's seriousness, and Nero's annoying youthful vigor, enhancing the narrative depth and gameplay variety of the series… even with annoying Nero being annoying. Their intertwining relationships and shared struggles against formidable foes enrich the “Devil May Cry” universe, making them a memorable and effective team.

Kratos, Atreus, & Mimir

“God of War” (2018)

When the game begins, we spend a good couple of hours following Atreus and Kratos as they battle their inability to relate to one another, without the glue that was Kratos’ wife and Atreus’ mother. Once they meet Mimir, we officially begin the banter, and the game takes off. Mimir offers a word to the wise in almost all instances, giving Atreus someone else to talk with and learn from, apart from his stoic and quiet father. The three have a dynamic that is compelling to watch, giving us the best trio we’ve seen in the last 10 years.

Franklin, Michael, & Trevor

“Grand Theft Auto V” (2013)

In “GTA 5,” Rockstar innovated by featuring three protagonists instead of the usual one, creating one of the most compelling multi-protagonist titles to date, and showing developers a new way to approach party-driven games. A significant part of its success stems from the dynamic relationships and interactions among the main characters. Each protagonist possesses a distinct personality: Franklin, a young car thief with ambitions beyond his current life, Michael, a retired criminal navigating suburban family life amidst chaos, and Trevor, an unpredictable figure aiming to establish a criminal empire. Dysfunctional and complex, the relationship between these three is one of the most compelling to watch in all of gaming.

Which video game trio is your favorite? Be sure to let us know in the comments!